Roberto Mancini will not sell Mario Balotelli and Manchester City are "much better" than Manchester United despite Sunday's 3-2 derby defeat, the Italian has claimed.

"United have more experience but we have a much better team and play much better football," Mancini told a function in Italy, according to the Daily Mail.

Regarding Balotelli, who was handed a surprise start at the Etihad Stadium but was replaced on 51 minutes after a disappointing performance, Mancini said: "We are waiting for the moment he becomes aware of his talent. That is why he is not for sale."

The City manager also confirmed he still wants to sign the Roma's Daniele De Rossi in January but is unsure whether the midfielder will depart then. "I don't believe he will leave at this point," Mancini said.

Mancini also ruled out a move for Internazionale's Wesley Sneidjer despite the player's contract dispute with the club. "We tried to get him in the summer but it ended there," he said.